PO Box 433 Graeagle, CA Smoke Signal. Winter Edition 2017

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1 PO Box 433 Graeagle, CA Smoke Signal Winter Edition 2017 President s Note: It s a new year for GPOA and our resolution is to provide all of our members, new and returning, better and more helpful information. We want you to enjoy our newsletters and s and make them as relevant and helpful to you as possible. We look forward to your suggestions and comments and thank you for your support. And don t worry- we won t send too many s, just enough to keep you in the loop. The principal objectives of our non-profit organization are as follows: To act as a representative voice in expressing the views and opinions of members in respect to matters having a bearing on the welfare of property owners. To take appropriate action to protect and expand the rights of members and to foster new ideas and developments which are deemed to be in the best interests of property owners. To promote activities; which will lead to a strong community spirit and congenial social relationships among members. To stimulate and educate the esthetic and ecological thinking of everyone who participates or is involved in the community life and development of Graeagle. Our dues are $25.00 per year, due by March 31th of each year. We hope you will join our organization. Quarterly meetings are normally held the second Wednesday of January, April, July and October at 4 pm at the Graeagle Restaurant. An agenda is posted in advance at the Graeagle Post Office. If you have any questions please contact us via at: Graeaglepoa@gmail.com or snail mail to: PO Box 433, Graeagle, CA Our website is: Our Board of Directors: Kim Fleeman, President and Director of Public Relations Cindy Holms, Secretary and Treasurer Jane Roix, Director Kathy Davis, Director Page 1

2 Fall 2016 Ore Car Article I always knew that once I sold my business in downtown Graeagle I wanted to volunteer in some respect at the Plumas-Eureka State Park. I am only sorry I waited so long to jump in as this experience has been both rewarding and amazing. I mostly enjoy all the volunteers who find such joy and commitment and sharing all their insights with our visitors. I have never experienced such a talented, positive and energetic group of folks ready to help in so many ways. In May when I aided Jane in setting up our new point of sale system I was so worried the volunteers would not be accepting to something new and a bit different, but most were so gracious and some very grateful for this new and simplified system. It thrilled me to listen to the comments of many volunteers who just jumped right in and took on the new challenge. Wow thanks for being such awesome folks! And of course working with Jane is a delight in itself. Being quite new to this position, I had a challenging but amazing time helping with Gold Discovery Days. Again discovering how it really does take a village of dedicated volunteers to hold such an enormous and successful event. Thanks to you all for sharing your talent, time and energy. I was more than delighted to apprentice in the Blacksmith Shop under the amazing Lonnie! Watching him work was only second to watching the crowds admire his talent and interpretive skills. I had the opportunity to learn some brand new skills and I even made a few of my own creations. My absolute favorite was talking with the visitors and honing my own new interpretive skills. (And of course getting good and dirty!) If you are standing on the sidelines and just thinking about volunteering, take the plunge and jump in. You will meet some fun folks, both volunteers and visitors. You can do as much or as little as you wish and you will find such satisfaction in this endeavor. Don t forget about the cross-country skiing this winter. We ventured out numerous times last season and so enjoyed the groomed trails and the experience of seeing this beautiful area in the snow. It s an experience you will not forget. Kudos to all our winter volunteers as well. Nancy Degger PESPA first time volunteer 2016 Page 2

3 Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl (JHSB) November 2016 update We are excited to share our progress toward the reopening of the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl and the expanded Winter 2016/2017 operations schedule. Through the hard work of Eastern Plumas Recreation District, community volunteers, and your generosity, we have completed over 50% of our Phase 1 redevelopment. With your help, we can continue to make the upgrades necessary to reopen the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl. This winter more Sledding Days events will be held in addition to the 3 Longboard Races scheduled for third Sunday of January, February and March represents the 25 th anniversary of Longboard Races and will be celebrated accordingly with special commemorative merchandise available for sale. A Winterfest fundraising celebration with fun events for all ages is being planned on the hill for Presidents Day Weekend Feb 18-20, Stay tuned for more details. (See more info on JHSB Winter 2016/2017 Schedule below) Our primary fundraiser this year and for the past 4 years is the Lost Sierra Hoedown, the fourth annual Hoedown was held September 22-25, Event donations, in conjunction with Proposition 40 funds that EPRD had been granted, have been used to complete several key capital components of the Ski Bowl s redevelopment: completed a business plan installed a new well that provides potable water completed the engineering design needed to install the chair lift we purchased from Squaw Valley refurbished a groomer donated by Stover Mountain in Chester, CA rebuilt old maintenance building to house groomer EPRD collaborates positively with California State Parks through our existing operating agreement. Current short term capital improvement plans in motion are for the installation of a full large LB propane tank donated by Ferrellgas. In addition, a complete bathroom replumb is being planned and Plumas Ski Club is in discussions to purchase a used large 2kw+ generator. JHSB WINTER 2016/2017 SCHEDULE Daily hours of operation are 10am-4pm for all events, dates subject to change due to lack of snow, weather, EMT or volunteer coverage. Longboard races are on the third Sunday of Jan, Feb and March Event 1 : KICK OFF- SLEDDING DAYS Monday 12/26- Weds 12/28/ Days Event 2 : SLEDDING DAYS in conjunction with LONGBOARDS #1- Sat Jan 14-Mon Jan 16, 2017 MLK weekend- 3 Days Event 3 : SLEDDING DAYS Sat 1/28-Sun 1/ Days Event 4 : SLEDDING DAYS Sat/Sun 2/11-2/ Days Event 5 : SLEDDING DAYS, WINTERFEST fundraiser in conjunction with LONGBOARDS # 2 Fri-Mon 2/18-2/ Presidents Day Weekend - 3 Days Page 3

4 Event 6 : SLEDDING DAYS Sat/Sun Mar Days Event 7 : SLEDDING DAYS in conjunction with LONGBOARDS #3 Sat/Sun March Days, last event, Spring Fling Gig We need volunteers, contact Glenn Bardet for more info , glenn.bardet@gmail.com Once reopened, the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl will be an economic, recreational and cultural treasure for Eastern Plumas County. Enhanced winter recreation will bolster our local economy throughout the year. The Ski Bowl will provide a positive and healthy recreational resource to our local youths, strengthening our community by encouraging young families to build their lives here. The Longboard events hosted by Plumas Ski Club celebrate our colorful history and preserve the rugged character and reverence of history that is uniquely Plumas County. We've gained incredible community support, but are limited by our resources. We still have to raise funds for the installation of the chair lift and surface lift, upgrades to electrical service and generator, and some ADA modifications to facilities. Please consider donating to help us bring this community treasure back to life. Your tax- deductible donation (107(c)(1)) will go to the development and preservation of this historic community treasure. We greatly appreciate whatever contribution you can afford. We hope to see you on the mountain this winter! Pray for snow. In the meantime, follow our progress on skijohnsville.com or join over 1,000 supporters that Like the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl on Facebook. KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES Keeping the homes in Graeagle looking good and being a good neighbor is just one of the missions of the GPOA. And in doing so, keeps our home values up. Many of you may not get up to our mountain paradise as often as you d like; or maybe you have inherited the house and don t know quite what to do with it. Have you considered using it as income property and renting it out? Maybe just a few weeks a year, so you can enjoy it as well? Airbnb & VRBO are quickly becoming the go to sites for vacation rentals. It s easy, it s safe and it s profitable. Upload photos, set the price, choose a guest. Oh wait! Don t want to come up every time you have a guest to hand over the key, perform maintenance and get it ready for the next guest? No worries, Graeagle is full of talented, hardworking helpers. Just ask your neighbor for a reference, you ll find someone to pick up your pineneedles, plow your driveway and even trim your trees. But what you ll need for an Airbnb/VRBO house is a host. Hosting services are a relatively new concept and the perfect solution when you have a home that is a bit out of the way. JC Hosting is a new service here in Graeagle that may provide just the solution to your problem of letting your home sit empty all year. It s not a property management service, it s cleaning and maintenance and taking care of your guests. Call Jason at or send him an at jchosting.graeagle@gmail.com and see if vacation rental is right for you. Page 4

5 THAT S A WRAP! 2016 season began and ended with volunteers/docents enthusiastically giving their time and skills to further the Plumas-Eureka story to our visitors. Discovering natures serenity, mining history, or surveying our historical zones, to explain the facts of this place and how was it done? January-April Ken McMaster, winter-crew and Mother Nature; constructed 15km. of skiing/snowshoe trails through the Park to provide a beautiful winter experience to a record number of visitors. These visitors donated $5 per visit or $35 season pass to defray PESPA s expenses of this unique "Winter Park. Thanks Ken, Debbie, Jay, Don, Dave, Tim, Ken, John, Dennis, Micheal, and John W Great work sharing the phenomenal winter Trails of 2016 in the "Lost Sierra.. April-May.Bruce MacGregor put TEN YEARS research into "Plumas Eureka on Glass", a cultural history of the Plumas Eureka Mine into PESPA s tool box and expand our knowledge of this area s History providing a central theme to Docents.Plumas County Historian; Scott Lawson noted, "this book is the most interesting book about Plumas County Mining History EVER! May-September.Jane Roix s retail Museum surpassed the Directors dreams of success WOW and thanks to all the Volunteers who kept the doors open 7 days/week for 18 weeks Thanks Jane, Annie, Yolanda, Betsy, Lyn. Jean, Carol, Rich, Carl, Carol M., Kay, Judi, Marian, Vicki, Vicki S., Esther, Tim, Nancy, Cindy, Pat, Karen, to name a few!!! WOW; this is starting to show dedication and we are only half done April-September.Cliff, Dennis, Rich, Lonnie, Brenda, Carol, Fred, Dave, Dink, John, Mike, Don, Nancy, Harry, Bob, Karen and Carol to name a few for staffing the tours/demos all summer at The Assay Office, Black Smith Shop, Moriarty House, candle making, Owl Investigation, and hikes to explore PESP. April-September Partners and programs this season 30 folks started annual clean-up, raking, oiling, polishing, washing New register at store New Bench placed at trail head for Jamison Mine; Thanks Matt W School visits, 4th-5th -6th graders from Quincy, Portola, Grass Valley, and Paradise200 + kids and adults, day visits and overnights.sonoma State and DPR providing a peek into Archeological Jamison Campground, results 2017 New laptop for Interpretive Ranger programs at campground; Thanks Tim B GDD s provided community celebration with Portola Rotary and Graeagle Lions providing the food and local merchants supporting the auctions to a successful event Thanks to all including Docents/Volunteers/Rangers/Staff who manned the Stations for two days Steve Hale who provided "Dinner at the Park patrons with an eye opening performance of Stephen Mather THANKS to all of you in supporting these endeavors. Again volunteer hours at PESPA for the third year in a row to support Plumas Eureka State Park interpretation and educational programs. THAT s A WRAP! 2016 ends the season polishing the snow grooming equipment, ordering trail signs hoping for Snow, the cycle starts RENEWAL? Thanks to all. Tim Hardie, President PESPA Page 5

6 Graeagle Fire Protection District Firewise Communities/USA The Graeagle Fire Protection District applied for Firewise Communities/USA designation in June of 2010 by submitting a Community Assessment Report to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The assessment documented the natural conditions, such as topography, existing hydrant systems, wildland fire history, the demographics of the communities comprising the Graeagle Fire Protection District, and the equipment and capabilities of the District. Firewise Communities/USA acceptance was granted on August 25, A Firewise Action Plan was developed to identify items to work on to make the community more aware of the risk of wildfire and what each of us can do to make our home more resilient to withstand a wildfire if it should occur. A. Communicate and educate regarding fire dangers to community Develop newspaper and community publication articles Discussion at Homeowner Association Meetings and Community Service District Meetings about assessment and solutions Develop a website for the Graeagle Fire Protection District Include information on Homeowner Association websites B. Monitor fire prevention efforts Increase Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) consultations Encourage homeowner fuel reduction efforts Accomplish additional DFPZ work within and adjacent to the District Quantify results of these efforts C. Improve signage throughout the District House number signs Street signs D. Planning continual updates to action plan List and prioritize projects that can improve the Graeagle Fire Protection District Several of these items have been done and other items have been added through efforts of the Graeagle Volunteer Firefighters, Graeagle Land and Water Company, The Plumas County Fire Safe Council, CAL FIRE and the Firewise Volunteers. Some of these items are: The recent CAL FIRE home inspections throughout the District Graeagle Land and Water ongoing cleanup of community areas Firewise educational Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) consultations Fire Safe Council Senior/Disabled Defensible Space Assistance Program Fire Safe Council Hazardous Fuel Reduction projects in the area Reduced Home Insurance because of the Firewise Communities/USA status We will have more information on these and more items in future newsletters. If you have questions, want more information on Firewise Communities/USA, or would like to help your community in this effort, please call Chuck Bowman at Page 6

7 GRAEAGLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 7620 Highway 89 P.O. Box 64 Graeagle, CA Fax Graeagle Fire Protection District is reminding people that it can be dangerous to dispose of fireplace, wood stove or barbecue ashes. Embers, often concealed in what appears to be cold ashes, can remain hot enough to kindle a fire for several days. It is recommended to wait at least 4 days before disposing ashes. With the extremely cold conditions we have been experiencing, everyone should be extra vigilant with ash disposal says Fire Chief, Ed Ward. Hot ashes have caused structure fires when left next to a home, garage, deck, or when dumped on pine needles or other flammable materials. To safely dispose of ashes: Put discarded ashes in a heavy metal container, douse with water, and cover with a fitted metal lid. Store the container outside and away from structures, decks, fences, wood piles and other combustible materials. Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes. Never put ashes in bags or boxes. After sitting for a week in the metal container, check them again to be sure that they are cool. If so, the ashes are then safe to dispose of in your trash. As the fall and winter heating season approaches, please remember to regularly inspect and clean your chimney. Soot and creosote are combustible materials that accumulate inside chimneys and create a dangerous fire hazard unless they are removed. If you have an older wood stove or fireplace in your home, please consider upgrading it to a more efficient heat source. Newer wood stoves that are EPA compliant produce more heat and less pollution. Other general fire safety tips for the home heating season: Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. Test alarms at least once a month. Change batteries in smoke alarms twice a year. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from space heaters and other heat sources. Keep candles and matches out of the reach of children. Extinguish all fires, even candles, when you leave the room or go to sleep. Remember to call 911 for all fires, no matter how small. Following these fire safety tips can save lives and property. Please contact Graeagle Fire Protection District for more information. Fire Chief Page 7

8 Care Flight in the Neighborhood Care Flight has opened a new base in Plumas County. Having served the northeastern California and northern Nevada region for nearly 35 years, the flight program is expanding its service area. To better serve our partners in Plumas County Care Flight has entered into negotiations for a base at Nervino Airport in Beckwourth, CA. Care Flight was the first in the area to offer air ambulance service and were pioneers in the air medical industry. The medical crews are trained in critical care assessments, expanded scope of practice and procedures. Care Flight brings the critical care unit to the patient. Care Flight has a fleet of 4 helicopters. Care Flight s pilots have extensive pilot in command time with training in high altitude operations. Flight Plan is a membership program, which helps alleviate some out of pocket expenses for members. The plan covers all members of the household for only $55.00 per year. Care Flight has a reciprocal agreement with Enloe Medical Center s FlightCare helicopter air ambulance program based in Chico. A membership in Care Flight s program will benefit someone traveling to the west. (see the agreements for both programs for details.) Contact Care Flight at or online at Care-Flight.com Page 8

9 Gymnastics, Agility & Sports Classes, Camps, & Fun for toddlers, preschoolers, kids, & teens in Portola! SIGN UP TODAY! Classes 8 Week Sessions Sept. to June Taught by certified professionals School Age: Ages 5-18 yrs. Preschool: Ages 3-5 Camps Sport specialty camps for ages 5-18 during school holiday breaks! Dec. 19&20: Wrestling Dec. 21&22: Basketball Dec. 27&28: Trampoline Dec. 29&30: Basketball Jan. 16: All Sport Agility Feb. 20: All Sport Agility Apr. 10&11: Softball Apr. 12&13: Baseball Jul : Flag Football & Volleyball Jul : Basketball Jul : Soccer Jul.31- Aug. 3: Gymnastics/Trampoline Three-Hour Sessions 1, 2 or 4 days/week Toddler Ages 0-3 Class info: Extra Fun BIRTHDAY & TEAM PARTIES KIDZONE PLAY DAYS TEAM BUILDING EVENTS COACHES TRAINING Page 9

10 2017 CLASS SESSION DATES & PRICING Term III: January 16- March 3 Term IV: March 6 - May 5* Term V: May 8- June 29 Term I: August 28- October 20 Term II: October 23 December 22* *9 weeks/ no classes held Spring Break week or Thanksgiving week $27 per month/30-minute classes & $55 per month/60-minute classes with auto pay 10% single pay discount if 8-week term tuition paid in one payment $25 Annual Registration Fee (per child - max. $100 per family) $25 late fee if not paid prior to start of term SIGN UP TODAY! The Portola Recreation Project by Sport Success is sustained through the generous support of private donors, program proceeds, other community organizations, volunteers and those like us with a vision that sport is a positive way to unleash human potential and develop character skills that build strong communities. Sport Success, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to preserving and enhancing opportunities for all sports participants. We provide education and training, consulting and administrative services to create quality sustainable programs and services in the Portola area and beyond. Donate or become part of the success today! For more info & to register go to or call Page 10

11 Defensible Space, Hazardous Fuel Reduction, & Ground Maintenance Vendors his is a list of contractors with resources to assist property owners with fuel reduction on lots and around home This list is provided to property owners only for information and is not an endorsement of anyone on the list. Company Contact Address Telephone License/ Certifications Type of Work Available Equipment Smith s Tree Service Mike Smith P O Box LTO-B Hazardous Fuel Reduction Bucket Boom Truck 67 McKissick St. Defensible Space Services Chipper Chilcoot, CA Tree Trimming & Removal Masticator Hauling Topper s Tree Service Dave Sims 2651 Riverdance Road LTO-A Hazardous Fuel Reduction Bucket Boom Truck Quincy, CA Defensible Space Services Chipper Tree Trimming & Removal Hauling Jimmy West Tree Service Jim West Highway LTO-A Hazardous Fuel Reduction Bucket Boom Truck Quincy, CA Defensible Space Services Chipper Tree Trimming & Removal Hauling Pedro Benuto Pedro Benuto Portola, CA LTO-B Hazardous Fuel Reduction Small Tools Defensible Space Services Hand Work Tree Trimming & Removal Chipper Jorge Benuto Jorge Benuto Portola, CA Hazardous Fuel Reduction Small Tools Defensible Space Services Hand Work Tree Trimming & Removal Chipper Firestorm Jess Willis Quincy LTO-A Hazardous Fuel Reduction Brush Mower Defensible Space Services Chipper Tree Trimming & Removal Masticator Small Tools Hand Work Woods Fire & Highway 70 Portola, CA LTO-B Hazardous Fuel Reduction Brush Mower Emergency Services Defensible Space Services Chipper Tree Trimming & Removal Small Tools Hand Work Summit Fire Safe James Defenbau Sierraville, CA Hazardous Fuel Reduction Chipper Defensible Space Services Small Tools Tree Trimming & Removal Hand Work Lot Maintenance High Sierra Fire Inc Jerry N Vice Janesville, CA Hazardous Fuel Reduction Brush Mower Defensible Space Services Chipper Tree Trimming & Removal Fire Trucks Small Tools Yard Raking Hand Work Esteban Canseco Esteban Canseco Portola Hazardous Fuel Reduction Small Tools Defensible Space Services Hand Work Yard Maintenance/Cleaning Roof and Gutter Cleaning Adan Santana Adan Santana Hazardous Fuel Reduction Small Tools Defensible Space Services Hand Work Yard Maintenance/Cleaning Roof and Gutter Cleaning Luis Silva Luis Silva Hazardous Fuel Reduction Small Tools Defensible Space Services Hand Work Yard Maintenance/Cleaning Roof and Gutter Cleaning Borbon Company Leynelle Borbon Portola Hazardous Fuel Reduction Small Tools Defensible Space Services Hand Work Yard Maintenance/Cleaning Land Used Wisely Shaun Lemnah Quincy, CA LTO-A Hazardous Fuel Reduction Chipper Tree Trimming & Removal Masticator Mechanical Harvest Small Tools logs and biomass Hand Work Mastication Hand Thin Midnight Sun Construction Lauren Hartwig Clio, CA Hazardous Fuel Reduction Chipper Mastication Masticator Hand Thin Small Tools Hand Work Forest Groomers Jim White Portola, CA LTO-B Hazardous Fuel Reduction Chipper Opal White Defensible Space Services Small Tools Tree Trimming & Removal Hand Work Page 11

12 Stay tuned for information on the Annual Picnic Submit your ideas, questions, concerns and opinions by for possible submission into the next Smoke Signal Page 12

13 GRAEAGLE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 433 GRAEAGLE, CA Visit us at Please ADD or RENEW (circle one) my/our membership in the GPOA for January 1-December 31, 2017 Name(s) of Property Owner(s): Graeagle Property Address (street address): Mailing Address for GPOA Correspondence: Telephone number(s) Address for Newsletter The 2017 membership fee is $25. Please enclose your check made payable to GPOA with this completed form and mail to the address above. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF GPOA. Please indicate if you would be interested in attending an annual picnic Please indicate if you would be willing to serve on the annual picnic committee YES YES There are board vacancies, please us if you are interested in helping out. Our Board of Directors: Kim Fleeman, President and Director of Public Relations Cindy Holms, Secretary/Treasurer Jane Roix, Director Kathy Davis, Director Note: If you have an interest in joining our team as a Director, please contact us at Graeaglepoa@gmail.com. Page 13

14 Graeagle Property Owners Association PO Box 433 Graeagle, CA Page 14